The Man Who Saved Christmas

You're gonna ban what?

During WWI, the U.S. government thought it would be a good idea to ban the sale of toys during Christmas (a misguided effort to encourage parents to give kids war bonds instead - yeah, like that was gonna happen). The musical comedy The Man Who Saved Christmas is loosely based on the real life story of A.C. Gilbert, the inventor of the Erector Set and - understandably - a big fan of the holidays (cha-ching!). Gilbert went to Washington, D.C., to convince officials of the foolishness of their plans. The title sort of gives away the ending, but the musical is still a fresh alternative to the invasion of Scrooges and Santas that take over every Christmas. Dancing factory workers, singing soldiers, chorus lines of happy kids and, of course, those know-it-all politicians make Mr. Gilbert's story sing. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. ACE Theatre, 17011 Bamwood. For information, call 281-587-1020 or visit www.acetheatre.org. $13 to $15.
Fridays-Sundays. Starts: Dec. 4. Continues through Dec. 20, 2009